<h2>Name</h2>
<p>
The Surah derives its name from verse 71 and 73 in which the word <em>zumar</em>
has occurred.
</p>
<h2>Period of Revelation</h2>
<p>
In verse 10 (<em>wa ardullah-i-wasi atun</em>: and Allah's earth is vast) there
is abundant evidence that this Surah was sent down before the migration
to Habash. Some traditions provide the explanation that this verse was
sent down in respect of Hadrat Ja'far bin Abi Talib and his companions
when they made up their mind to emigrate to Habash.(<em>Ruh al-Maani</em>,
vol. XXII, p. 226).
</p>
<h2>Theme and Subject matter</h2>
<p>
The entire Surah is a most eloquent and effective address which was
given some time before the emigration to Habash, in an environment
filled with tyranny and persecution, ill-will and antagonism, at
Makkah. It is a sermon whose addressees mainly are the unbelieving
Quraish, although here and there the believers also have been
addressed. In it the real aim of the invitation of Muhammad (upon whom
be Allah's peace and blessings) had been enunciated, which is this:Man
should adopt Allah's servitude sincerely, and should not pollute his
God worship with the service of any other. Presenting this cardinal
principle in different ways over and over again, the truth of
<Em>Tauhid</Em>and the excellent results of accepting it, and the falsehood of
<em>shirk</em>and the evil consequences of following it, have been explained in
a most forceful way, and the people exhorted to give up their wrong
way of life and return to the mercy of their Lord. In this very
connection, the believers have been instructed, as if to say:"If a
place has become narrow for the worship and service of Allah, His
earth is vast: you may emigrate to some other place in order to save
your faith: Allah will reward you for your patience."On the other hand,
the Holy Prophet has been encouraged, so as to say:"Tell the
disbelievers plainly that they may do whatever they like, but their
persecutions and tyrannies will never deter you from the way of Islam;
that they may go on doing their worst to obstruct your way, but you
will continue to perform your mission in spite of the adverse
conditions and circumstances."
</p>

